While criminal litigation is one of the most widely known characteristics of the legal profession, as seen over television and in movies, there are few opportunities to directly practice it. Mock Trial is a great way to better introduce prospective legal professionals to the intricacies of the law, and provides students with an experience to do so. Students have the opportunity to refine their legal and logical reasoning, as well as the ability to work with a team to both build and argue their position. Cases chosen for Mock Trials represent real and pressing issues within the criminal realm. Exposure to criminal litigation will introduce students to the importance of each component of a trial: opening and closing arguments and the critical role of witness testimony and their reliability.

In addition to the benefits of exposure to criminal litigation, Mock Trials connect students with like-minded peers and legal professionals, providing them with the ability to network outside the classroom in a more relaxed and niche environment. The relationships built will last beyond the competition and will encourage lasting personal and professional connections.

To learn more about the University of Toronto’s Mock Trial Competition under our Canadian Team, click here.

Mock Trial Teams

With UTPLSA leading as the first undergraduate Mock Trial competition in Canada, other Universities in Canada are now developing their own Mock Trial programs.

The Mock Trial program has selected students to form a travelling competitive Mock Trial team. The Mock Trial Program will then train and prepare this team to compete at other undergraduate Mock Trials both nationally and internationally! More details about these national and international competitions can be found at Competition Information.